The unpretentious, suburban nook of Torquay, 22 kilometers from Geelong and 100 kilometers from Melbourne, has a low-key, casual vibe. Considered Australia’s oldest surfing capital, it's the start of the Surf Coast, and the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. Torquay's front beach is great for families, while nearby surf beaches, such as Jan Juc and Bells Beach, see big swells.
Read more...The unpretentious, suburban nook of Torquay, 22 kilometers from Geelong and 100 kilometers from Melbourne, has a low-key, casual vibe. Considered Australia’s oldest surfing capital, it's the start of the Surf Coast, and the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. Torquay's front beach is great for families, while nearby surf beaches, such as Jan Juc and Bells Beach, see big swells. This is a great place to pick up all supplies, including any swimwear and surf equipment (it’s the home to original surfing brands). There’s a couple of excellent caravan parks at Torquay, including the Torquay Holiday Park and Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park, where you can snag a beachfront position. From here, you can also explore the Bellarine Peninsula, an area rich in wineries and old-fashioned seaside villages.
Jan Juc
Located between Torquay and Bells Beach (and just 16km from Anglesea and 45km from Lorne), Jan Juc fronts onto a fabulous surf beach. It's close to the famous Bells Beach that's home to the famous Rip Curl Pro surfing championship.
Jan Juc has an excellent beach, though surf and conditions are rougher here. From Jan Juc, you can drive to Bells Beach without reconnecting with the Great Ocean Road. Don’t miss the spectacular limestone cliffs and rock formations. Jan Juc Park has powered sites and cabins and BBQs.
Bellarine Peninsula
The Bellarine Peninsula is a perfect way to spend the day, before you head southwards from Torquay, along the Great Ocean Road. Beach walks, historic lighthouses, wineries and some fabulous gourmet eateries are in many of the villages on the circuit: Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff. Barwon Head’s two campgrounds are conveniently located on the pretty Barwon River.
When to Go
Given Torquay’s large permanent population, the township is well serviced, and you can visit at any time of year. Bells Beach surf championship around Easter brings in the hordes so reserve ahead. Summer months of December and January are frantic, too. Spring and February are the perfect times to visit this area as temperatures are warming a little.
Know Before You Go
- It can get windy here. Bring warm weather gear, even in summer
- Torquay is the perfect base to stock up on groceries, especially before trips along the Great Ocean Road (prices get higher the further you go).
- Torquay is a convenient gateway to Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, and the Great Ocean Road.
The best camping near Torquay, Victoria.
Grab your surfboard, this famous surfing spot pulls in the serious surfers, but it’s great for families, too.
Jan Juc
Located between Torquay and Bells Beach (and just 16km from Anglesea and 45km from Lorne), Jan Juc fronts onto a fabulous surf beach. It's close to the famous Bells Beach that's home to the famous Rip Curl Pro surfing championship.
Jan Juc has an excellent beach, though surf and conditions are rougher here. From Jan Juc, you can drive to Bells Beach without reconnecting with the Great Ocean Road. Don’t miss the spectacular limestone cliffs and rock formations. Jan Juc Park has powered sites and cabins and BBQs.
Bellarine Peninsula
The Bellarine Peninsula is a perfect way to spend the day, before you head southwards from Torquay, along the Great Ocean Road. Beach walks, historic lighthouses, wineries and some fabulous gourmet eateries are in many of the villages on the circuit: Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff. Barwon Head’s two campgrounds are conveniently located on the pretty Barwon River.
When to Go
Given Torquay’s large permanent population, the township is well serviced, and you can visit at any time of year. Bells Beach surf championship around Easter brings in the hordes so reserve ahead. Summer months of December and January are frantic, too. Spring and February are the perfect times to visit this area as temperatures are warming a little.
Know Before You Go